This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) is located at the New Mexico VA Healthcare System in Albuquerque in the Radiology Service Diagnostic Service. This position serves as a liaison to the Office of Information and Technology (OI&T), Biomedical Engineering staff and clinical users to ensure the PACS system is configured to optimize imaging functionality including distribution capabilities. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), [or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable]. Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent can operate independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist. Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).]. NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum education standard as noted in the assignment description. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations GS-11: At least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-10) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies needed to provide services as a PACS technologist. In addition, demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):. Knowledge of contingency plans during equipment downtimes. Ability to act as liaison for Radiology with biomedical engineering and OI&T. Ability to develop methods and programs to evaluate, monitor, and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems. Ability to lead a team of multidisciplinary members in accomplishing strategic planning and integration of PACS and network elements. v. Ability to perform complex system administrator functions such as: oversight of RIS (Hospital Information System/Radiology Information System) links, AE titles, individual and user group creation and access management, etc. Knowledge of VA and other national guidelines pertaining to PACS network, VistA imaging, and database security. Knowledge of specific positioning, technique, and imaging procedures so he/she will be able to perform and reconcile image information correctly and efficiently during technical post processing and evaluation.] Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist's work requires long periods of standing and walking up to 8 hours. There is repeated bending, pushing / pulling, reaching above shoulders, use of both hands (hands and fingers), twisting and carrying of moderately heavy articles weighing from 15-44 pounds such as multiple cassettes, grids, as well as wearing lead aprons. Movement of moderately heavy equipment is generally power assisted such as portable machines. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done only with help of other employees and devices provided by the Radiology Section. ["The incumbent is responsible for the implementation and management of multi-terabyte scale computer systems with subsystems dedicated to acquisition, linkage, storage, archive and retrieval/display functions. They will also manage the implementation and analysis of DICOM specifications for image format and management across a variety of modality operating systems (including varieties of Linux, MS Windows Server, MUMPS and VistA) and hardware (including HP, Dell, Compaq computer systems and routers and switches from various vendors). They will also have knowledge of the quality control procedures to assure accurate and unambiguous image tracking, linking, and display. This position will research and or/analyze problems, issues, or program requirements supporting the functions of a digital imaging system. Support complex system administrator functions such as: oversight of RIS (Hospital Information System/Radiology Information System) links necessary to interface with the HIS (Hospital Information System), Application Entity (AE) titles, individual and user group creation, and access management, system filters, exam code dictionaries, DICOM configuration testing, hanging protocols, voice file exchange, and other duties as new systems and procedures are implemented. The incumbent is a liaison for OIT, Biomedical employees and clinical users to ensure the PACS system is configured to optimize Imaging and clinical operations as well as distribution capabilities. The incumbent will use standard approaches to perform a variety of duties related to digital image support issues. Ability to conduct research and compilation of daily data from diverse sources. Ability to extract and assembles information, conduct analysis and develop reports for presentations. The incumbent is involved in the coordination and transmission of images between the VA Medical Center and the contracted Teleradiology Service. This includes but is not limited to, participating in meetings, identifying conflict and developing potential resolutions to satisfy both facilities. Monitors and verifies compliance of all Diagnostic Imaging related system and personnel security requirements which includes contracted Teleradiology services. Coordinates activities with VistA Imaging manager, Information Security Officers, Biomedical personnel, VistA Imaging users and support personnel on computer-related matters to ensure that all issues are adequately addressed, and interface activities are conducted as effectively and efficiently as possible. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.